Francis Poulenc: Music, Art and Literature / Edition 1

by Sidney Buckland

Overview

This collection of essays provides vivid new insights into Poulenc’s world, his particular rapport with painters, writers and fellow musicians, and with the social élite who promoted his music through their salons. Contributions from international Poulenc scholars include the influence of various artists on his music, the nature of his affinity for Eluard’s poetry, his response to texts by Cocteau and Bernanos, and his constant search for suitable libretti. New light is thrown on two friendships, the first with his childhood friend Raymonde Linossier who introduced him to the world of books, the second to his teacher Charles Koechlin who greatly influenced his choral style. A detailed study is also provided of Poulenc’s four choral works with orchestra. Finally, the reader is allowed a rare view of Poulenc at the microphone, not as interviewee but as radio presenter, in his 1947-1949 series of programmes ’A bâtons rompus’.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781859284070
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/28/1999
Series:	Music and Literature
Pages:	448
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Sidney Buckland

Table of Contents

Contents: Introduction; Poulenc and Koechlin: 58 lessons and a friendship, Robert Orledge; Poulenc’s choral works with orchestra, Keith W. Daniel; Raymonde Linossier: ’Lovely soul who was my flame’, Sophie Robert; ’My ideal library’, Francis Poulenc; ’The coherence of opposites’: Eluard, Poulenc and the poems of Tel jour telle nuit, Sidney Buckland; Nogent music: Poulenc and Dufy, Marjorie Running Wharton; ’All my pleasure is in making new discoveries’: Francis Poulenc visits American museums of art. From Feuilles américaines. Extraits de journal, Francis Poulenc; Distilling essences: Poulenc and Matisse, Carl B. Schmidt; Poulenc and his patrons: social convergences, Myriam Chimènes; In search of a libretto, Denis Waleckx; Dialogues des Carmélites: the historical background, literary destiny and genesis of the opera, Claude Gendre; ’A musical confession’: Poulenc, Cocteau and La Voix humaine, Denis Waleckx; Poulenc, Britten, Aldeburgh: a chronicle, Philip Reed; Francis Poulenc - disc jockey, Lucie Kayas; Index.

Editorial Reviews

’It is good that in his centenary year such attention should have been accorded him in the volume Francis Poulenc: music, art and literature...This fine volume represents an important step’ Times Literary Supplement ’Without doubt, Francis Poulenc: Music, Art and Literature is a major contribution to Poulenc studies - indeed, to French musical scholarship in general - and is sure to stimulate further study of the composer.’ Notes ’...a stimulating and, incidentally, lavishly illustrated collection...This is, all in all, a valuable addition to Poulenc literature...Much of this book will deepen the affection and respect we feel for this most lovable of composers.’ Musicteachers.co.uk Issue 9 'A book devoted to a relatively neglected figure such as Poulenc is welcome, especially one that is distinctive in the range and diversity of approaches to the composer... The volume is striking for the detail it provides in relation to Poulenc and the musical, literary and artistic circles in which he moved... This is a valuable book, which will be of interest to those working on Poulenc and his contemporaries, twentieth-century music, and French culture in general in the twentieth century.' Music and Letters

From the Publisher

An array of scholars in literature, music, and French pay homage to Francis Poulenc and explore the relationships that influenced his music. Excerpts from his writings, including pieces of music, letters, and even a list of books that would form his "ideal library," as well as dozens of b&w photographs, highlight this collection of essays that investigate Poulenc's life. Of particular interest is discussion of the ways that artists, writers, and musicians such as Matisse, Eluard, and Britten inspired his music<-->giving insight into how such relationships can affect art. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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